POSTDOCTORAL POSITIONS IN PLANT LIPID METABOLISM/BIOTECHNOLOGY
available at the
UNIVERSITY OF BRITISH COLUMBIA
VANCOUVER, CANADA
We are seeking two highly motivated individuals interested in (1) the
regulation/cell biology of surface wax deposition in Arabidopsis, and
(2) manipulating seed fatty acid metabolism in Arabidopsis to create
industrially interesting oil profiles.
The successful candidate for the first position (Surface wax
deposition) will be involved in one of the following projects: 1)
Identification and characterization of novel wax-biosynthetic genes
using genetic screens and gene knockouts, 2) cellular localization of
wax biosynthetic enzymes and wax secretion, or 3) genetic engineering
of wax composition and wax load. Applicants should have proven
research skills in molecular biology, with particular emphasis on
analysis of plant gene expression and molecular genetic manipulation
of plants. Experience in plant cell biology, especially confocal
microscopy of living tissue, cryofixation, immunolocalization, or
with genetic screens and analysis of Arabidopsis mutants would be
advantageous.
The second position (Metabolic engineering of oilseeds) involves
functional analyses of a number of seed oil biosynthetic enzymes to
optimize the production of hydroxylated fatty acids in transgenic
crops. The successful candidate will join a dynamic international
team of researchers at the leading edge of oilseed engineering
interested in creating novel commercial products for industrial use.
Applicants are expected to have a strong background in molecular
biology and biochemistry. Experience in plant lipid metabolism or
expression of proteins in microbial systems would be highly desirable.
Both positions require excellent communication skills and are
available immediately. Salary will be competitive and commensurate
with qualification and experience. Interested candidates should send
a cover letter outlining research experience and interests, a
curriculum vitae, and the names and phone numbers of 3 referees to
Ljerka Kunst, Department of Botany, University of British Columbia,
6270 University Blvd., Vancouver, B.C. V6T 1Z4, Canada; FAX (604)
822-6089; E-mail kunst at interchange.ubc.ca.
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